The Curtis Symphony Orchestra preps for its first concert of the season

The Curtis Symphony Orchestra is preparing for its first concert of the season. (WPVI)

Monday, September 19, 2016

The Orchestra is ringing in the new season with an exploration of composers from the 19th and 20th century.

"Be prepared to be enveloped in one of the most amazing sounds you could ever hear," says Steven Franklin, Trumpet Section, Curtis Symphony Orchestra. "It's going to be very exciting."

The show opens with a one act opera by 20th century French composer Maurice Ravel.

Steven Franklin says, "It is depicting a story of a misbehaving child who is very dismayed when the objects in his room begin to speak to him."

The Curtis Opera Theatre will join the orchestra to perform the piece.

Steven Franklin says, "The Curtis Opera is one of a kind. It's a special treat to have them on our symphony orchestra concert."

The opera score will be followed by Boulez's "Notations."

Steven Franklin says, "The Boulez is one of the more interesting pieces we'll be playing on this program. "There are moments where every single instrument is going to be featured."

Rounding out the program is one of Trumpet Player Steven Franklin's favorite works.

"The Mussorgsky which is a Russian standard."

It's called "Pictures at an Exhibition."

"This piece opens with just a solo trumpet line that is the bane of every trumpet player's existence. Everybody will get a taste of something new, something familiar, something exciting and hopefully it comes together to be something everybody enjoys."

The Curtis Symphony Orchestra's season opening is October 9th at the Kimmel Center's Verizon Hall. For tickets and show times go to the TheArtsinPhilly.org.